SPORTS SURFACE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to British application GB2414100.4 filed Sep. 25, 2024, the entire contents of the patent application is incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, or drawings.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sports surface. In particular, although not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a sports surface, a method of preparing a sports surface, and a method of operating a sports surface.

BACKGROUND

Sports surfaces, particularly outdoor sports surfaces, are generally used in various weather conditions. Water accumulation on the surface of the sports surface can interrupt sports games and disrupt play. Further, temperatures that are too high or are too low may cause discomfort to players, and could lead to health concerns, e.g., players overheating or the weather being too cold for a sports game to carry on, e.g., if there is snow build up, for example.

It is desirable to provide an airflow and/or temperature-controlled sports surface. It is also desirable to provide a sports surface with liquid draining capabilities.

It is a nonexclusive aim of this disclosure to provide these desiderata.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a sports surface, including a top layer, a base surface, and a support structure located between the top layer and base surface.

The top layer is at least partially permeable to fluid.

The support structure defines a volume between the top layer and base surface. Liquid may be collectable in the volume on the base surface. Liquid ingress through the top layer may be collectable in the volume on the base surface.

An airflow recirculation arrangement is fluidly connected to the volume.

Collection of liquid in the volume through the top layer and air flow through the volume may be controllable independently.

The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a first airflow passage fluidly connected to the volume at a first location of the volume.

The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a second airflow passage fluidly connected to the volume at a second location of the volume.

The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a fan connected to the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage.

The fan may be arranged to drive air through the first airflow passage and second airflow passage. The first airflow passage, volume, and second airflow passage may form an air recirculation loop.

The fan may be arranged to drive air through the first airflow passage in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume or arranged to drive air through the first airflow passage in a negative pressure arrangement out of the volume.

The second airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage by a recycle airflow passage external to the volume. The recycle airflow passage may comprise piping or conduit. The recycle airflow passage may alternatively be internal to the volume, i.e., extending through the volume (for example, across the base surface).

The first airflow passage, volume, second airflow passage, and recycle airflow passage may form an air recirculation loop.

The support structure may have a void ratio of 0.5 to 0.8.

The support structure may have a void ratio of 0.6 to 0.7.

The support structure may have a void ratio of 0.6 to 0.65.

The first location may be positioned along a first side of the volume. The second location may be located along a second side of the volume.

The first location may be at an opposite side of the volume to the second location.

The sports surface may further include a third airflow passage fluidly connected to the volume. The third airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the volume at a third location of the volume. The third airflow passage may be connected to the fan. The third airflow passage may include a further fan. The further fan may be configured to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume or configured to drive air in a negative pressure arrangement out of the volume. The first airflow passage, third airflow passage, volume, and second airflow passage may form the air recirculation loop.

The first location and the second location may be located on a first side of the volume. The first location and the second location may be located on opposite sides of the volume. The first location and the second location may be located on a first and third side of the volume. The first and third side of the volume may be adjacent.

The first location and the third location may be located on a first side of the volume. The first location and the third location may be located on a first and third side of the volume respectively. The first and third side of the volume may be adjacent.

The second airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage and the third airflow passage through the volume. The third airflow passage may be further fluidly connected to second airflow passage by a second recycle airflow passage external to the volume.

The first location may be at a first corner of the sports surface.

The second location may be at a second corner of the sports surface.

The third location may be at a third corner of the sports surface.

The first and second corners may be at opposite corners of the sports surface.

The first airflow passage may include a plurality of first airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume.

The second airflow passage may include a plurality of second airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume.

Each of the plurality of first airflow passages may be fluidly connected to a respective zoning airflow passage.

Each zoning airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the volume at a plurality of locations along a first side of the volume.

Each of the plurality of second airflow passages may be fluidly connected to a respective secondary zoning airflow passage.

Each secondary zoning airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the volume at a plurality of locations along a second side of the volume.

The volume may be separated into a plurality of zones along at least one cross-section of the volume perpendicular to the first side of the volume.

The sports surface may further include an air plenum located along a first side of the sports surface. The air plenum may be connected between the volume and the airflow recirculation arrangement.

The air plenum may be connected between the volume and the zoning airflow passage. The air plenum may be located between the volume and the first airflow passage and/or the plurality of first airflow passages.

The sports surface may further include a secondary air plenum located along a second side of the sports surface. The secondary air plenum may be connected between the volume and the airflow recirculation arrangement. The air plenum may be connected between the volume and the secondary zoning airflow passage. The secondary air plenum may be located between the volume and the second airflow passage and/or the plurality of second airflow passages.

The volume may be separated into a plurality of zones by an airflow restricting barrier along at least one cross-section of the volume perpendicular to the first side of the volume.

Each zoning airflow passage may be fluidly connected to a respective zone of the volume.

Each secondary zoning airflow passage may be fluidly connected to a respective zone of the volume.

The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a weir arrangement fluidly connected between the volume and the first airflow passage.

The weir arrangement may include a weir wall having a height up to 60 percent of a height of the volume. The weir arrangement may include a weir wall having a height greater than a height of the volume.

The weir wall may be configured to allow air flow over the wall and to prevent liquid flow over the wall from the volume.

There may be a drainage system fluidly connected to the volume through the base surface. Liquid collected in the support structure may be controllably removable through the drainage system. The sports surface may further include a controller for controlling the drainage system. The drainage system may include a valve for controlling flow through the drainage system.

Collection of liquid in the volume; removal of liquid through the drainage system; and air flow through the volume, may be controllable independently.

The sports surface may also include a thermostat(s) located within the support structure, in the top layer, in the volume; in the airflow recirculation arrangement; in the first airflow passage, if present; and/or in the second airflow passage, if present.

The sports surface may further include a heating and/or cooling system connected to the airflow recirculation arrangement, and/or the fan, if present, and/or the first airflow passage, if present. The heating and/or cooling system may be configured to heat and/or cool the air driven by, and/or in, the airflow recirculation arrangement and/or driven by the fan, if present. The heating and/or cooling system may be controlled by the thermostat(s).

The sports surface may further include a heating and/or cooling system connected to the fan and/or the first airflow passage. The heating and/or cooling system may be configured to heat and/or cool the air driven by the fan. The heating and/or cooling system may be controlled by the thermostat(s).

Air flow (e.g., flowrate) and air temperature through the volume may be controllable independently.

Collection of liquid in the volume, removal of the liquid from the volume (e.g., through the drainage system), air flow (e.g., flowrate) through the volume, and air temperature through the volume may be controllable independently.

The drainage system may be connected to a recirculation pipe and sprinkler arrangement for spraying liquid onto the top layer.

The sports surface may include an impermeable geomembrane layer on the base surface.

The sports surface may further include a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the volume. The water level sensor may be configured to directly or indirectly control the drainage system. The water level sensor may be connected to a controller for controlling the drainage system.

The support structure may include: a first generally planar upper region; a second generally planar lower region; and a third generally convex region joining the first region and the second region. At least one of the first region, the second region, and/or the third region includes at least one aperture for the passage of fluid through the support structure. The third region of the support structure may at least partially conform to a lateral surface of an imaginary curved frustum or curved truncated cone. The sports surface may further include a layer of permeable aggregate positioned between the top layer and the support structure. The layer of aggregate may be supported by the first, second, and/or third regions of the support structure. The support structure may further include: a plurality of further second generally planar lower regions, and a plurality of third generally concave regions joining the first region and the further second regions.

The sports surface may further include a temperature-controlled air inlet fluidly connected to the volume. The temperature-controlled air inlet may be fluidly connected to an air supply external to the volume. The temperature-controlled air inlet may include a heating and/or cooling system configured to provide air at a predetermined temperature. The heating and/or cooling system of the temperature-controlled air inlet may be controllable by the thermostat(s). The sports surface may additionally or alternatively include an external air inlet fluidly connected to the volume for providing fresh, non-temperature controlled, air into the volume.

There is also provided a method of preparation of a sports surface as described herein. The sports surface may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the sports surface as described herein. The method includes: providing: a top layer, a base surface, and a support structure located between the top layer and base surface; wherein: the top layer is at least partially permeable to fluid; and the support structure defines a volume between the top layer and base surface, and providing an airflow recirculation arrangement fluidly connected to the volume.

There is also provided a method of operating a sports surface as described herein. The sports surface may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the sports surface as described herein. The method of operating the sports surface includes: circulating air through the airflow recirculation arrangement. The method may include: blowing air using the fan through the first airflow passage into the volume, extracting air through the second airflow passage, and recycling the air back to the first airflow passage using the fan.

The method may include heating the air using the heating and/or cooling system to a temperature determined by the thermostat(s).

The method may include cooling the air using the heating and/or cooling system to a temperature determined by the thermostat(s).

The method may further include draining liquid through the drainage system.

The method may include further introducing external air into the system using the temperature-controlled air inlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of a sports surface, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of a sports surface, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a sports surface, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a support structure, embodying the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a sports surface, embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sports surface, embodying the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, according to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a sports surface 1, including a top layer 10, a base surface 12, and a support structure 14 located between the top layer 10 and base surface 12. The top layer 10 is at least partially permeable to fluid. As will be apparent to the skilled person, airflow may be permitted through the top layer 10. The support structure 14 defines a volume 16 between the top layer 10 and base surface 12. The volume 16 may be considered to be a storage volume 16 (for example, for storing liquid within). Accordingly, liquid ingress through the top layer 10 may be collectable in the volume 16 on the base surface 12 whilst permitting air flow through the volume 16. Accordingly, the sports surface 1, when configured as described herein, may permit liquid (e.g., water, such as rainwater) collection within the volume 16, whilst allowing for air flow above the liquid level within the volume (e.g., as an ‘air blanket’). Therefore, as described in more detail herein, collection of liquid in the volume 16 and air flow through the volume 16 may be controllable independently. Such a configuration may provide efficient temperature control of the volume 16 (i.e., the underside of the sports surface 1) whilst allowing (i.e., not interfering with), liquid collection within the volume 16.

As described herein, any reference to connection to the volume 16 may additionally or alternatively be interpreted to be equivalent to connection to the support structure 14.

There is an airflow recirculation arrangement fluidly connected to the volume 16. As described in more detail herein, the sports surface 1 may further include a positive pressure arrangement configured to force air into the volume 16 and through the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1. The positive pressure arrangement may include a fan (e.g., fan 20′ as shown in FIG. 6) that may be turned on when the airflow recirculation arrangement is turned off. The fan of the positive pressure arrangement may impart a higher pressure than that of the fan 20 (or other pressure creating means, such as a blower), if present, of the airflow recirculation arrangement. The sports surface may further include a negative pressure arrangement. The negative pressure arrangement may include a fan (e.g., fan 20″ as shown in FIG. 6) arranged to draw air out of the volume 16, such that air is forced from above the sports surface 1, through the top layer 10, and into the volume. Such a negative pressure arrangement may be turned on when the airflow recirculation arrangement is turned off; such a negative pressure arrangement may aid in drying of the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1 by drawing liquid collected on the top layer 10 through the top layer 10 into the volume 16. As described in more detail herein, the airflow recirculation arrangement may recirculate air through the volume 16, such that the temperature of the air within the volume 16 reaches a stable value. Once the temperature of the air within the volume 16 reaches a stable value, the airflow recirculation arrangement may be turned off, and the positive pressure or negative pressure arrangement as described herein may be turned on. If a heating and/or cooling element is used in the airflow recirculation arrangement to heat and/or cool the air that is being recirculated, the airflow recirculation arrangement may allow for heating and/or cooling elements that have a lower thermal output (e.g., having lower energy requirements and/or having a lower heating or cooling capacity) than heating and/or cooling elements that would be required to heat air into the volume 16 in a single pass, i.e., without recirculation of the air. The positive pressure and/or the negative pressure arrangement may utilise the same flow pathway as the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., airflow passages 22, 26. Therefore, the sports surface 1 may effectively be able to switch from a recirculation mode to a positive pressure and/or negative pressure mode.

A first airflow passage 22 may be fluidly connected to the volume 16 at a first location 24 of the volume 16. A second airflow passage 26 may be connected to the volume 16 at a second location 28 of the volume 16. Therefore, the second airflow passage 26 may be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage 22 through the volume 16.

The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a fan 20 connected to the airflow recirculation arrangement. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the fan 20 may be connected to the first airflow passage 22 and the second airflow passage 26. As will be appreciated, the fan 20 may be arranged to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume 16 through the first airflow passage 22 or arranged to drive air in a negative pressure arrangement out of the volume 16 through the first airflow passage 22. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the fan 20 may be arranged in a recirculation arrangement, such that the fan 20 works as a recirculation fan, and further fans, e.g., fan 20′ and fan 20″ may be configured to drive air into the sports surface 1 as part of the positive pressure arrangement (e.g., fan 20′) or draw air through the surface of the sports surface 1 into the volume 16 as part of the negative pressure arrangement (e.g., fan 20″) and out of the volume 16 through the airflow recirculation arrangement. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that an alternative (or alternatives) to the fan 20 (and/or 20′, 20″) may be provided. In particular, there may be provided a blower, and/or a compressor, or multiple fans, blowers, or compressors, for example, which may provide the function of moving air in a positive or negative pressure arrangement.

When the airflow recirculation arrangement is configured as described herein, the first airflow passage 22, volume 16, and second airflow passage 26 may form an air recirculation loop. Accordingly, in use, air flow may be sequentially flowed through the first airflow passage 22, through the volume 16, out of the volume 16 through the second airflow passage 26, and back to the first airflow passage 22 (and may be continuously cycled through the above sequential flow loop multiple times), such that the temperature obtained within the volume 16 may become constant over time. The airflow recirculation arrangement may therefore be a closed loop airflow recirculation arrangement, such that fresh air flow introduction to the volume 16 from a source external to the sports surface 1 is not required. Airflow from the first airflow passage 22, through the airflow recirculation arrangement (e.g., through the volume 16 and then through the second storage passage 26) and back to the first airflow passage 22 as described above may be considered to be a single cycle (or circulation). The airflow recirculation arrangement may cycle air as described herein continuously (across multiple cycles). As will be appreciated, the airflow may be reversed in the airflow recirculation arrangement, such that air may sequentially flow through, e.g., the second airflow passage 26, through the volume 16, and through the first airflow passage 22 back to the second airflow passage 26.

The second airflow passage 26 may be fluidly connected to first airflow passage 22 by a recycle airflow passage. The recycle airflow passage may be external to the volume 16. The recycle airflow passage may be comprised of piping. It will be appreciated that alternatives to piping may be utilized to perform the same function of containing and directing airflow. For example, ducting, venting, conduit, or any other type of flow path may be used to direct flow from the second airflow passage 26 to the first airflow passage 22. The fan 20 may therefore drive air through the first airflow passage 22, through the volume to the second airflow passage 26, through the second airflow passage 26, and draw air from the second airflow passage 26, through the recycle airflow passage, to the first airflow passage 22. The second airflow passage 26 may include a further fan configured to drive air through the recycle airflow passage to the first airflow passage 22 (or any further airflow passages, e.g., a plurality of first airflow passages 22, and/or a third airflow passage 122 as described herein). The further fan of the second airflow passage 26 may be located in proximity of the second location of the volume 16 as described herein. Therefore, if an additional fan is present in the second airflow passage 26, such a fan may work in combination with the fan 20 as described herein.

The second airflow passage 26 may additionally or alternatively be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage 22 by a recycle airflow passage (or conduit) internal to the volume 16, i.e., extending through the volume 16 (for example, across the base surface 12). It will be appreciated that the recycle airflow passage may therefore be a distinct airflow passage from the volume 16.

Collection of liquid in the volume 16 and air flow through the volume 16 may be controllable independently. When provided in this way, temperature control of volume 16 (particularly the air within the volume 16) within the sports surface 1 may be controllable independently to the collection of liquid in the volume 16. Even without heating or cooling means, air may be continuously cycled through the volume 16 using the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the first and second airflow passages 22, 26 to achieve a stable temperature within the volume 16. The temperature of the top layer 10 may be controlled (e.g. by using the positive pressure arrangement to force air through the top layer 10) by the temperature control of the volume 16 to a stable temperature, particularly when, e.g., the ambient temperature near the surface of the sports surface 1 is subject to fluctuations in temperature.

As shown in FIG. 2, the airflow recirculation arrangement may further include a weir arrangement 34 fluidly connected to the volume 16. The weir arrangement 34 may be connected between the volume 16 and the first airflow passage 22 (and/or optionally the third airflow passage 122, second airflow passage 26, or additional airflow passages, e.g., a plurality of first airflow passages 22 and/or plurality of second airflow passages 26, if present). The weir arrangement 34 may include a weir wall 36 having a height greater than a height of the volume 16. Accordingly, the weir arrangement 34 may act as a control for “overflow” of the volume 16, such that if no controlled drainage from the volume 16 occurs (e.g., through the drainage system 18), then if the volume 16 becomes too full with liquid, the weir arrangement may allow for additional (e.g., backup) drainage from the volume 16. The weir wall 36 may be configured to allow air flow over the wall 36 and to prevent liquid flow over the wall 36 from the volume 16 (and may therefore prevent liquid ingress into an air flow path, e.g., airflow passage 22, whilst allowing liquid collection in the volume 16 at a height greater than the position, e.g., height, of the air flow path above the base surface 12). In particular, the weir arrangement 34 may allow of liquid collection within the storage space to a liquid level greater than that without a weir arrangement 34 present (e.g., more than the arrangement as shown in FIG. 1).

Therefore, a sports surface 1 including the weir arrangement 34 may be suitable for locations where extended periods of rain and liquid ingress onto and through the sports surface 1 may be expected (e.g., during a storm event). Accordingly, the weir arrangement 34 may provide an additional ‘buffer’ in the event of significant liquid ingress through the top layer 10 into the volume 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the weir arrangement 34 may be configured such that overflow of liquid in the volume 16 into the weir arrangement 34 may only occur once the volume 16 has been completely filled. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the weir arrangement 34 may be configured (e.g., the weir wall 36 height may be configured) such that once the volume 16 has been filled up to a predetermined liquid height (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the height of the volume 16), liquid may flow over the weir wall 36 and into the weir arrangement 34. In other words, the weir wall 36 may have a height configured to allow a predetermined level of liquid collection in the volume 16 before allowing for liquid to enter the weir arrangement 34, e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, of the height of the volume 16. Accordingly, the height of the weir wall 36 may be less than the total height of the volume, corresponding with the predetermined liquid height that is deemed allowable. Such a configuration may allow for a constant ‘air blanket’ to be above the liquid level, regardless of the amount of liquid ingress through the top layer 10 into the volume 16 (since the weir arrangement 24 may allow for a maximum amount of liquid retention, before drainage occurs through the weir arrangement).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there may be a drainage system 18 fluidly connected to the volume 16 through the base surface 12. The drainage system 18 may drain liquid collected in the volume 16 into a storage tank, for example as shown in FIG. 2). It will be appreciated that the drainage system may additionally or alternatively be fluidly connected to the volume at a position close to the base surface 12, e.g., at a side location with a pipe located resting on the base surface 12. The liquid collected in the volume 16 may be controllably removable through the drainage system 18. The drainage system 18 may include a drainage pipe, as shown in FIG. 1. The drainage system 18 may include a plurality of pipes or other flow means, for example a secondary volume. The drainage system 18 may include a valve(s) for controlling flow through the drainage system 18, for example, the valve may be closed when the volume of liquid within the volume is below a certain threshold, e.g., a water level of less than 35 percent of the height of the volume. The valve may be opened when the volume of liquid in the volume exceeds a threshold, e.g., a water level of greater than 35 percent of the height of the volume. The valve may be controlled by a water level sensor or sensors (not shown).

Each of: collection of liquid in the volume; removal of liquid through the drainage system; and air flow through the volume, may be controllable independently. In particular, in the absence of a thermostat(s) as described herein, the relevant parameters, e.g., collection of liquid, drainage of liquid, and air flow through the recirculation loop as described herein may still be controlled independently.

The sports surface 1 may also include a thermostat(s) located within the support structure 14, in the top layer 10, in the volume 16; in the airflow recirculation arrangement; in the first airflow passage 22, if present; and/or in the second airflow passage 26, if present. The thermostat(s) may additionally or alternatively be located downstream of the fan 20 in the recycle airflow passage, if present. Airflow provided by the fan 20 may be controlled by the thermostat(s), such that increased flow may be provided by the fan 20 if a lower temperature is required or if a temperature is required to be achieved quickly, or a lower flow may be provided by the fan 20 if a higher temperature is required, or if a temperature is required to be achieved more slowly.

The sports surface 1 may further include a heating and/or cooling system 30 connected to the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the heating and/or cooling system 30 may be connected to the fan 20 and/or the first airflow passage 22. The heating and/or cooling system 30 may be configured to heat and/or cool the air in the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the heating and/or cooling system 30 may be configured to heat and/or cool the air driven by the fan 20. The heating and/or cooling system 30 may be controlled by the thermostat(s). In particular, a heater may be connected to the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the fan 20, the heater configured to heat the air driven by the fan 20. The heater may be controlled by the thermostat(s). A cooler, such as an air conditioning system, may be connected to airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the fan 20, the cooler configured to cool the air driven by the fan 20. The cooler 30 may be controlled by the thermostat(s). The temperature control of the heating and/or cooling system 30 may be used in combination with control of the air flow (e.g., flow rate) provided by the fan 20 (and/or other airflow driving means as described herein), or alternatively independently of the air flow (e.g., flow rate).

Accordingly, each of the air flow (e.g., flowrate) and air temperature through the volume 16 may be controllable independently. Therefore, the effective “speed” of the recirculation (e.g., circulation time or cycle time) may be controlled to efficiently control the temperature of the sports surface and/or control the rate of temperature change in the volume 16 (and therefore the surface of the sports pitch 1).

Each of the collection of liquid in the volume 16, removal of the liquid by the drainage system 18, air flow, and/or air temperature through the volume 16 may be controllable independently. When used herein, as will be appreciated by the skilled person, the term liquid and water may be used interchangeably. It will be appreciated that the description of ‘liquid ingress’ and/or ‘water ingress’ into the volume 16 may include other liquids. Further, the support structure 14 may support and/or receive any surface above and/or within (e.g., aggregate and/or other material, which may be aggregate 40 as described herein). In particular, the support structure 14 may receive aggregate 40 and/or other material(s) as described herein.

The sports surface may be a soccer pitch, rugby pitch, American football pitch, equestrian field, golf course, hockey pitch, racecourse (e.g., greyhound or horse racing courses), baseball field, softball field, and/or any suitable sports surface suitable for sports use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, liquid (e.g., water) collected through the top layer 10 and into the volume 16 may form a continuous layer of liquid (indicated generally at 32 in FIGS. 1 and 2) along the base surface 12. Accordingly, the base surface 12 may be a continuous surface (or a semi-continuous surface) on which liquid may be collected. A semi-continuous surface may be considered to be a surface that allows for a layer of liquid to collect thereon, but may be (at least partially) interrupted, by e.g., lower portions of the support structure 14 (e.g., the second region(s) 46 of the support structure 14 as described below) and/or e.g., drainage systems 18 such as drainage pipes. Accordingly, airflow through the volume 16 may travel over the top of the layer of liquid, allowing for simultaneous liquid drainage from the sports surface 1 and temperature control of the sports surface 1. In other words, there may be an air (e.g., a pressure/vacuum) blanket to heat or cool the sports surface 1 above, whilst also providing rainwater harvesting and stormwater attenuation functionality within the same space (e.g., providing an ‘air blanket’). The volume 16 may have the same or similar cross-sectional area to the top layer 10 and/or the sports surface 1 as a whole.

In known sports surfaces, it is generally not possible to heat a sports surface by simply blowing air or providing heat through a heat element and then heating such a sports surface though the surface, as the heat loss would be too great from one side of the sports surface to the other. Therefore, large capacity heating elements (requiring significant energy input) may be required for adequate heating of the sports surface in known sports surface arrangements.

The sports surface 1 as described herein, having a first airflow passage 22 at a first location 24 and a second airflow passage 26 at a second location 28 may create a closed loop system (recirculation loop) as described above. Such a configuration may provide advantages in respect of increased temperature control of the sports surface 1. In particular, the configuration of the sports surface 1 as described herein may allow recirculation of the air through the volume 16, and optionally through the heating and/or cooling system 30 (e.g., a heater and/or cooler), if present, multiple times to increase (or decrease, or maintain) the air temperature gently and consistently. Therefore, smaller heating units may be used compared to those required for known sports surfaces. For example, the temperature of the air being recirculated may be heated to a first temperature, e.g., 10° C., on a first cycle, and then to a second temperature, e.g., 20° C., on a second cycle, and then maintained at such a temperature for subsequent cycles; such a cyclical arrangement may allow for the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1 to be maintained at a specific temperature, as described herein. Further, the sports surface 1, as described herein, may eliminate the need to install heating wires and/or pipes (for flow of hot air and/or hot liquid e.g., water) for heating. In particular, as described herein, the volume 16 may create a ‘blanket’ of air above any collected liquid, such that liquid storage and drainage may occur simultaneously with air temperature attenuation.

The fan 20 may be configured to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume 16 as described herein, for example, as part of the recirculation loop as described herein.

In addition to the airflow recirculation arrangement as described herein, the air may be heated by the airflow recirculation arrangement and may then travel through the top layer 10 (and any other layer between the support structure 14 and the top layer 10, e.g., by being driven by a fan, such as fan 20′in FIG. 6), such that the sports surface 1 and a volume above the top layer 10 may be heated to a temperature above the ambient temperature in the location of which the sports surface 1 is located. In use, the airflow recirculation arrangement may provide a constant temperature of the air within the volume 16, and once a desired temperature is reached, the airflow recirculation arrangement may be turned off (e.g., fan 20 may be turned off), and a positive pressure arrangement may be turned on (e.g., fan 20′may be turned on), such that the warmed air is forced through the surface 10 of the sports surface 1, such that a desired temperature of the sports surface 1 may be achieved. Additionally, when recirculating, fan 20 and the airflow recirculation arrangement may be fluidly disconnected, e.g., by a valve, from further fans and/or positive pressure arrangements and/or negative pressure arrangements, e.g., 20′, 20″ as shown in FIG. 6, related to positive pressure or negative pressure arrangements, such that air flow in or out of the airflow recirculation arrangement is substantially prevented (for example, creating a closed loop recirculation arrangement). When the positive and/or negative pressure arrangement(s) is required, the valve may be opened, such that, for example in the positive pressure arrangement, air may be introduced from external to the volume 16 (and the sports surface 1), and for example in the negative pressure arrangement, air may be forced out of the volume 16 to a location external the volume 16 (and the sports surface 1).

As will be appreciated, in elevated ambient temperatures (e.g., above 20° C. or 30° C.), the sports surface 1 may be cooled to a specific temperature in the same way as described above in relation to heating the sports surface, the heater being replaced with a cooling element. In any event, the sports surface 1 may be designed to maintain 12 to 15° C. at the top layer 10 using the air flow and optionally heating and/or cooling (e.g., when ambient temperatures are elevated) configuration as described herein (e.g., recirculating air using the airflow recirculation arrangement to reach a desired air temperature within the volume 16, and then using a positive pressure arrangement to force the air at the desired temperature through the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1). The sports surface 1 may be designed to maintain 15 to 20° C. at the top layer 10. Such a configuration may allow for the sports surface 1 to be held at a specific temperature, or temperature range, such that optimal conditions for a specific purpose (e.g., a football game in specific weather conditions) may be achieved and maintained throughout play. Further, the heater may be turned off such that air may subsequently be circulated through the sports surface 1 (e.g., using the positive pressure arrangement as described herein), which may result in cooling of the sports surface.

In addition to the airflow recirculation arrangement as described herein, the fan 20 (or, if more than one fan is present, such as in FIG. 6, e.g., fan 20′) may be configured to drive (or draw) air from the volume 16 in a negative pressure arrangement, e.g., a vacuum arrangement. Accordingly, the airflow recirculation arrangement may be configured to additionally provide the positive pressure and/or negative pressure arrangement(s) as described herein. When configured in this way, liquid within the top layer 10 (and/or any layer between the top layer 10 and the volume 16) may be drawn out into the volume 16, such that the top layer (and/or any other layer present above the support structure 14 and volume 16) of the sports surface 1 may be dried. When configured in this way, increased drainage from the top layer (which may be, e.g., a grass pitch) may be achieved, such that ‘downtime’ preventing use of the sports surface may be avoided. The first airflow passage 22 (and/or third airflow passage 122) and/or second airflow passage 26 may include an airflow outlet, such that when the fan is configured to drive air from the volume 16, the air may be drawn from the volume 16 into the first airflow passage 22 or second airflow passage 26 and out of the airflow outlet, such that fluid (e.g., water and/or air) may be drawn through the top layer 10 into the volume, and air may then be vented from the sports surface 1 through the airflow outlet.

The support structure 14 may have a void ratio of 0.5 to 0.8. The support structure 14 may have a void ratio of 0.6 to 0.7. The support structure 14 may have a void ratio of 0.6 to 0.65. Accordingly, the support structure 14 may be able to support the top layer 10 (and any other surfaces between the top layer 10 and the support structure 14, e.g., aggregate, sand mix, soil, etc.) whilst retaining a void ratio sufficient to allow for collection of water on the base surface 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first location 24 may be at an opposite side of the volume 16 to the second location 28. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first location 24 may be at a first side 50 of the sports surface 1, e.g., a first (longer) side, and the second location 28 may be at a second side 52 of the sports surface 1, e.g., a second (longer) side, the first and second sides being opposite sides of the sports surface 1 (i.e., sides that are furthest away from one another, e.g., not adjacent sides). The first location 24 and the second location 28 may be located on opposite sides of the volume 16.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first location 24 may be at a first corner of the sports surface 1, and the second location 28 may be at a second corner of the sports surface 1.

The first and second corners being opposite corners of the sports surface 1 (i.e., corners that are furthest away from one another, e.g., not adjacent corners). When configured such that the first airflow passage 22 and second airflow passage 26 are located away from each other around the sports pitch 1 as described herein, when the air recirculates as described herein, the air may travel through a large portion (or across all of) the volume 16, such that temperature control of most of or all of the sports surface 1 may be efficiently achieved.

Alternatively, the first location 24 may not be at an opposite side to the second location 28. In particular, configurations may be used where the first location 24 is at the first side 50, and the second location 28 may be located e.g., at another edge (e.g., the lower edge 52 or upper edge 50 of the sports surface 1 as shown and oriented in FIG. 3), or at a different location along the same edge. The first location 24 may be positioned along a first side 50 of the volume 16, and the second location 28 may be located along a third side 54, or a fourth side 56 of the volume 16 as shown in FIG. 3. When configured in this way, air may flow substantially across the entire of the volume 16 (i.e., the underside of the sports surface 1).

The second location 28 may also be located within the pitch e.g., centrally through the base surface 12 of the sports surface 1, for example, for use when no liquid is present in the volume 16. An air outlet (e.g., second airflow passage 26) located at a second location within the base surface 12 may be elevated from the base surface 12 (e.g., by walls and/or piping), such that water may collect on the base surface whilst allowing air flow through the air outlet.

With reference to FIG. 6, the first airflow passage 22 may include a plurality of first airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume 16. For example, the first airflow passage 22 may include 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 etc. first airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the first airflow passage 22 may include three distinct (or distinct pluralities of) airflow passages 22′, 22″, 22′″. It will be appreciated that fewer, or more distinct pluralities of first airflow passages 22 may be used. The second airflow passage 26 may include a plurality of second airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume 16. For example, the second airflow passage 26 may include 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 etc. second airflow passages 26 fluidly connected to the volume 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the second airflow passage 26 may include three distinct (or distinct pluralities of) second airflow passages 26′, 26″, 26′″. It will be appreciated that fewer, or more distinct pluralities of second airflow passages 26 may be used.

Each of the plurality of first airflow passages 22 may be fluidly connected to a respective zoning airflow passage 60. Each zoning airflow passage 60 may be fluidly connected to the volume at a plurality of locations along a first side 50 of the volume. As shown in FIG. 6, three zoning airflow passages 60, 60′, 60″ are located along the first side 50 of the volume 16; however, it will be appreciated that a greater number, or fewer, zoning airflow passages 60 may be utilised. Accordingly, each zoning airflow passage 60, 60′60″ may be positioned to flow air through a portion of the volume 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of first airflow passages 22 may be connected to a respective zoning airflow passage 60, and each respective zoning airflow passage 60 may include a further plurality of airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume 16. Each of the plurality of first airflow passages 22 may include a respective fan for driving air through each first airflow passage 22.

The volume 16 (and therefore the sports surface 1) may be separated into a plurality of zones 62 (e.g., 62, 62′, 62″ as shown in FIG. 6). For brevity, the plurality of zones are referred to with reference 62, and reference to the plurality of zones 62 should not be taken to be limited only to the zone labelled 62 in FIG. 6. The volume 16 may be separated into a plurality of zones 62 along at least one cross-section of the volume perpendicular to the first, second, third, and/or fourth side 50, 52, 54, 56 of the volume. The zones 62 may be fluidly separated from one-another, and/or may be fluidly connected to one-another (e.g., some zones may be fluidly separated, and some zones may be fluidly connected, if more than two zones are present). The volume 16 may be separated into a plurality of zones 62 by an airflow restricting barrier 70, 70′along at least one cross-section of the volume perpendicular to the first side 50 of the volume (and/or perpendicular to the second side 52, third side 54, and/or fourth side 56). The airflow restricting barrier 70, 70′may fully, or partially, restrict airflow between zones 62. As shown in FIG. 6, three zones 62, 62′, 62″ are located in the volume 16 separated by two airflow restricting barriers 70, 70′; however, it will be appreciated that a greater number, or fewer, zones 62 and airflow restricting barriers 70, 70″ may be utilised to create a desired number of zones 62. It will also be appreciated that the airflow restricting barriers 70′70″ may not be located perpendicular to a side, e.g., the first side 50, second side 52, third side 54, fourth side 56, but may instead be, e.g., angled offset a perpendicular arrangement (for example, a single barrier extending from the location of barrier 70 at side 50 to the location of barrier 70′at side 52). The airflow restricting barrier 70′ 70″ may include a geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer (e.g., an impermeable geomembrane layer), e.g., turned up to extend the height of the volume 16. For example, the airflow restricting barrier 70, 70′may be a turned-up portion of the impermeable geomembrane layer 38 located on the base surface 12 as described herein, the turned-up portion extending the height of the volume 16. As will be appreciated, the geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer may substantially restrict (or prevent) fluid flow (e.g., liquid and/or air) through the geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer. The airflow restricting barrier 70′ 70″ may include any other material suitable for restricting (or preventing) airflow, e.g., plastic lining, concrete, etc.

Each zoning airflow passage 60, 60′, 60″ may be fluidly connected to a respective zone 62, 62′, 62″ of the volume. When configured in this way, the volume 16 may be split into multiple, smaller, sub-volumes, which may then each have its own dedicated airflow. Accordingly, the airflow recirculation arrangement as described above in relation to the volume 16 as a whole may be equivalently applied to each zone 62, 62′, 62″, each zone 62, 62′, 62″ effectively representing its own volume. When configured in this way, airflow through the volume 16 may be effectively controlled in portions. Further, not shown, any or each of the first airflow passage 22, first plurality of airflow passages (e.g., 22′, 22′, 22″″), any or each zone 62 (e.g., 62, 62′, 62″), may include a respective flow control means, e.g., a valve, that may permit or restrict flow to a zone 62, 62′, 62″. Therefore, airflow through a zone or zones 62, 62′, 62″ may be permitted, and airflow through another zone or zones 62, 62′, 62″ may be prevented.

Each of the plurality of second airflow passages 26 may be fluidly connected to a respective secondary zoning airflow passage 64. Each secondary zoning airflow passage 64 may be fluidly connected to the volume 16 at a plurality of locations along a second side 52 of the volume. As shown in FIG. 6, three secondary zoning airflow passages 64, 64′, 64″ are located along the second side 52 of the volume 16; however, it will be appreciated that a greater number, or fewer, zoning airflow passages 64 may be utilised. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of first airflow passages 26 may be connected to a respective zoning airflow passage 64, and each respective zoning airflow passage 64 may include a further plurality of airflow passages fluidly connected to the volume 16.

Each secondary zoning airflow passage 64, 64′, 64″ may be connected to a respective zone 62, 62′, 62″ of the volume. When configured in this way, air flow through each zone 62 may be controlled, as described above. In particular, air flow out of each zone (e.g., 62, 62′, 62″) may be permitted, or prevented. Further, not shown, any or each of the second airflow passage 26, first plurality of airflow passages (e.g., 26′, 26″, 26′″), any or each zone 62 (e.g., 62, 62′, 62″), may include a respective flow control 41 means, e.g., a valve, that may permit or restrict flow out of a zone 62, 62′, 62″ through the airflow recirculation arrangement. Therefore, airflow through a zone or zones 62, 62′, 62″ may be permitted, and airflow through another zone or zones 62, 62′, 62″ may be prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the sports surface 1 may further include an air plenum 66 located along a first side 50 of the sports surface 1. The air plenum 66 may be connected between the volume 16 and the airflow recirculation arrangement. The air plenum 66 may be connected between the volume 16 and the zoning airflow passage 60, 60′, 60″. For example, the air plenum 66 may be located between the volume 16 and the first airflow passage 22 and/or the plurality of first airflow passages 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″.

The sports surface 1 may further include a secondary air plenum 68 located along a second side 52 of the sports surface. The secondary air plenum may 68 be connected between the volume 16 and the airflow recirculation arrangement. The secondary air plenum 68 may be connected between the volume 16 and the second zoning airflow passage 64, 64′, 64″. For example, the secondary air plenum 68 may be located between the volume 16 and the second airflow passage 26 and/or the plurality of second airflow passages 26, 26′, 26″, 26′″.

As shown in FIG. 6, the air plenum(s) 66, 68 may extend substantially the entire length of a side (e.g. side 50 and/or 52). When configured in this way, air flow introduced to the volume 16 may be spread across the length of a side, i.e., the length of the sports surface 1. In particular, if an air inlet, e.g., first airflow passage 22 (or passages 22), is located at points along a side, for example, inlets are not located along an entire side of the sports surface 1, the air plenum 66 may facilitate airflow spreading across the length of a side. Additionally or alternatively, the air plenum(s) 66, 88 may extend a partial length of a side, such that the air plenum(s) may be sized to conform to a length of a zoning airflow passage 60, 60′, 60′″ and/or secondary airflow passage 64, 64′, 64″.

Such a configuration of an air plenum(s) 66, 68, may aid in localising air flow to a specific zone 62, when present, of the volume 16.

The first and/or secondary air plenum 66, 68 (and/or any additional air plenum) may each include the weir arrangement 34 as described herein (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). Additionally or alternatively, the first and/or secondary air plenum 66, 68 may effectively act as a weir arrangement. In particular, an air inlet(s) of the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., first airflow passage 22 (or the plurality of first airflow passages, 22′, 22″, 22′″) may be connected to the volume 16 (e.g., connected to the airflow plenum 66) at a height above the base surface 12 of the volume 16, e.g., 30% of the height of the volume, or more, such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, of the height of the volume. Accordingly, liquid may collect in the volume, but may not flow through the first airflow passage 22. Additionally or alternatively, an air outlet(s) of the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., second airflow passage 26 (or the plurality of second airflow passages, 26′, 26″, 26′″) may be connected to the volume 16 (e.g., connected to the airflow plenum 68) at a height above the base surface 12 of the volume 16, e.g., 30% of the height of the volume, or more, such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, of the height of the volume. Accordingly, liquid may collect in the volume, but may not flow through the second airflow passage 26. It will be appreciated that the air inlet(s) and/or outlet(s) of the airflow recirculation arrangement, e.g., the first and second airflow passage(s) 22, 26 and/or zoning airflow passage(s) 62, 64 may be connected to the volume 16 at a specific height(s) above the base surface 12 as described above, to allow for a specific volume of water to collect within the volume 16, without the requirement for the plenum(s) 66, 68.

It will be appreciated that sides 54, 56 may include respective plenums and airflow passages, as described above in respect of sides 50, 52, and the first and second airflow passages. The sports surface 1 may include further air plenums located along any of the sides of the sports surface 1 (e.g., the first side 50, second side 52, third side 54, fourth side 56, or any other side if a sports surface of non-rectangular shape is used, e.g., a baseball pitch). Further, any air inlets and air outlets from the volume 16 may be connected to a respective air plenum located between the volume 16 and the air inlets and/or outlets equivalent to the connection as described in relation to the first air plenum 66 and second air plenum 68.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first location 24 may be part of a first group of locations, e.g., two (or more) separate locations. The second location 28 may be part of a group of locations, e.g., two (or more) separate locations. When provided in this way, multiple first airflow passages 22 may be present, and/or multiple second airflow passages 26 may be present (and not necessarily on the same side of the sports surface 1).

For example, with reference to the first and second locations 24, 28 as shown in FIG. 3, the first group of locations may be located where the first and second locations 24, 28 are indicated in FIG. 3, and the second group of locations may be located elsewhere (e.g., the remaining side(s) 54, 56 or corner(s) or along alternative sides 50, 52, 54, 56 of the sports surface 1). When provided with groups of locations as described herein, it will be appreciated that multiple first airflow passages 22 and/or multiple second airflow passages 26 may be located around the sports surface. In particular, in a positive pressure arrangement, there may be provided multiple first airflow passages 22 corresponding to multiple air inlets into the volume 16. The air inlets may be provided on one, or two, or three, or four sides (or a number corresponding to up to a number of sides of a sports surface 1, which may include four or more sides). As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be provided multiple air outlets corresponding to the second airflow passages 26. In particular, in a positive pressure arrangement, there may be provided multiple second airflow passages 26 corresponding to multiple air outlets from the volume. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that reference to the terms “air inlets” and “air outlets” correspond to the recirculation loop as described above, the air flowing from the air inlet(s), through the volume, through the air outlet(s), and back to the air inlet(s) to recirculate air. The air outlets may be provided on one, or two, or three, or four sides (or a number corresponding to up to a number of sides of a sports surface 1, which may include four or more sides). When configured as described herein, the airflow may create a particularly even distribution of temperature across the sports surface 1. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that in a vacuum arrangement (e.g., when the fan or other airflow arrangement) is configured to draw air from the volume 16, the terms “air inlet” and “air outlet” may be reversed.

In a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, the sports surface may further include a third airflow passage 122 fluidly connected to the volume16. The third airflow passage may be fluidly connected to the volume at a third location of the support structure. As shown in FIG. 5, the third location may be located on the same side of the volume 16 (or sports pitch 1) as the first airflow passage 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the third airflow passage 122 may include a fan 120 configured to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume 16 or configured to drive air in a negative pressure arrangement out of the volume 16. Additionally or alternatively, the third airflow passage 22 may be connected to the fan 20 as described herein. As described above in respect of the first airflow passage 22, the fan 120 of the third airflow passage 122 may alternatively be a blower or any other device configured to drive or draw air in a positive or negative pressure arrangement. In other words, the third airflow passage 122 may be equivalent in purpose to the first airflow passage 22. Accordingly, the first airflow passage 22 and third airflow passage 122 may be equivalent to the multiple “air inlets”as described above. Therefore, the first airflow passage 22 and third airflow passage 122 may be equivalent in function to the multiple first airflow passages 22 as described above. As will be appreciated, the airflow through the first and third airflow passages 22, 122, through the volume 16, and through the second airflow passage 26 may create a particularly even temperature distribution across the volume 16 and therefore the sports surface 1, particularly when recirculating air as described herein.

Further, the third airflow passage 122 may be located at a different position around the volume 16 than the first and second airflow passages 22, 26. For example, the first airflow passage may be located on the first side 50 of the volume 16, the second airflow passage 26 may be located at the second side 52 of the volume 16, and the third airflow passage 122 may be located at the third 54 or fourth side 56 of the volume 26. The fan 120 of the third airflow passage 122, when present, may therefore be configured to drive air when the fan 20 of the first airflow passage 22 is configured to drive air in a positive pressure configuration. The fan 120 of the third airflow passage 122, when present, may be configured to draw air when the fan 20 of the first airflow passage 22 is configured to draw air in a negative pressure configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5, the third airflow passage may further include a heating and/or cooling system 130 connected to the fan of the third airflow passage 122 and/or the third airflow passage, the heating and/or cooling system 130 configured to heat and/or cool the air driven by the fan. The heating and/or cooling system 130 may be controlled by the thermostat(s) as described above.

The first location 24 and the second location 28 may be located on a first side of the volume 16 (i.e., on the same side of the volume 16), e.g. side 52. The first location 24 and the second location 28 may be located on a first and third side of the volume 16, e.g., sides 52 and 54, the first 50 and third sides 54 of the volume 16 being adjacent as shown in FIG. 3, for example, two sides of the support structure 16 joined by a corner (when viewed from above).

As shown in FIG. 5, the second airflow passage 26 may be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage 22 and the third airflow passage 122 through the volume 16. The second airflow passage 26 may be further fluidly connected to third airflow passage 122 by a second recycle airflow passage external to the volume. When provided in this way, the first airflow passage, third airflow passage (acting as airflow inlets when configured in a positive pressure arrangement), volume, and second airflow passage (acting as an airflow outlet) may form the air recirculation loop. In particular, in use, air may flow sequentially through the first and third airflow passages, 22, 122, through the volume 16, through the second airflow passage 26, and back to the first and third airflow passages 22, 122. One circulation of airflow from the first and third airflow passages 22, 122, through the airflow circulation arrangement, e.g., through the volume 16 and then through the second airflow passage 26, and back to the first and third airflow passages 22, 122, as described above, may be considered to be one cycle or one circulation. In use, the air recirculation loop as described herein may undergo multiple cycles or circulations as described herein.

The second recycle airflow passage may be the same as the first recycle airflow passage (e.g., the same flow path as shown in FIG. 5, which shows the second airflow passage 26 joined to both the first and second airflow passages 22, 122). Alternatively, the second recycle airflow passage may be a different airflow passage to the first recycle airflow passage.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, additional airflow passages may be provided equivalent to the first and/or third airflow passages 22, 122. For example, a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, etc. airflow passage may be provided. Each of the additional airflow passages may be equivalent in function to the first airflow passage 22 or second airflow passage 26. Therefore, there may be a plurality of airflow passages configured to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume 16 or draw air in a negative pressure arrangement out of the volume 16 as described herein with reference to the first and/or third airflow passages 22, 122.

Additional airflow passages may be provided equivalent to the second airflow passage 26. When provided in this way, when the sports surface 1 is configured in a positive pressure arrangement, multiple airflow “outlets” that direct airflow back to the airflow “inlets”may be provided.

Accordingly, the sports surface 1 may include a plurality of “inlet” airflow passages (configured to drive air to the volume 16 as described herein) and a plurality of “outlet” airflow passages (configured to direct air through respective recycle airflow passages to the plurality of “inlet” airflow passages), the amount and positioning of the airflow passages configured to be suitable for purpose. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, the sports surface 1 may be considered to include two “inlet” airflow passages 22, 122 and one “outlet”airflow passage 26.

The drainage system 18 may be connected to a storage tank (not shown). The weir arrangement 34 may further be connected to the storage tank, such that any overflow of liquid over the weir wall 36 may drain into the storage tank. The drainage system 18 may be connected to a recirculation pipe and sprinkler arrangement for spraying liquid onto the top layer 10. The storage tank may be connected to a recirculation pipe and sprinkler arrangement for spraying liquid onto the top layer 10. When provided in this way, the use of a fresh supply of water to the sports surface 1 (e.g., mains water/potable water) may be substantially avoided, reducing the environmental impact of cooling the sports surface 1 in e.g., hot weather.

The sports surface 1 may include an impermeable geomembrane layer 38 on the base surface 12. When provided in this way, water ingress through the base surface 12 into e.g., the ground below may be substantially avoided. Therefore, at least the majority of liquid ingress into the volume 16 may be collected and drained and/or recycled (e.g., to a storage tank and/or to be sprayed onto the top layer 10, when required).

The sports surface 1 may further include a water level sensor in the volume 16 (e.g., for detecting a water level in the volume) 16. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that multiple water level sensors may be used. Such a water level sensor(s) may be linked to the drainage system 18. For example, the drainage system 18 may include a valve, such that the drainage system 18 may selectively drain water from the volume 16. Further, the valve in the drainage system 18, e.g., a drainage pipe, may be configured to be actuated (i.e., opened) once a certain water level has been reached within the volume 16, e.g., as detected by the water level sensor(s). Such a configuration may allow for liquid level control within the volume 16, such that a certain volume of liquid may be retained within the volume 16 before drainage. A desired level of liquid may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50%, of the height of the volume 16. Such a retention of a certain volume of liquid may be beneficial when, e.g., liquid storage tanks connected to the drainage pipe 18 are at or near full capacity, and/or during maintenance of liquid storage tanks (where such tanks must be empty, for example). The storage tank may include an additional level sensor. The storage tank may include a further drain. Therefore, the storage tank may drain when the water level sensor detects that the storage tank is at a predetermined level (e.g., when the storage tank is almost full).

As shown in FIG. 4, the support structure 14 may include a first generally planar upper region 44, a second generally planar lower region 46, and a third generally convex region 48 joining the first region 44 and the second region 46. At least one of the first region 44, the second region 46, and/or the third region 48 may include at least one aperture 150 for the passage of fluid through the support structure 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third region 48 of the support structure 14 may at least partially conform to a lateral surface of an imaginary curved frustum or curved truncated cone.

The sports surface 1 may further include a layer of permeable aggregate 40 positioned between the top layer 10 and the support structure 14. The sports surface 1 may further include a layer of sand mix 42 positioned between the top layer 10 and the support structure 14. The layer of sand mix 42 may be positioned below the top layer 10 and above the layer of aggregate 40, if both the layer of aggregate 40 and the layer of sand mix 42 are present, or the layer of aggregate 40 may be positioned below the top layer 10 and above the layer of sand mix 42, if both the layer of aggregate 40 and the layer of sand mix 42 are present. It will be appreciated that the layer of sand mix 42 and/or aggregate 40 may be mixed with other components, e.g., there may be a layer of sand mix 42 and aggregate 40 mix positioned between the top layer 10 and the support structure 14.

The layer of aggregate 40 may be supported by the first, second, and/or third regions 44, 46, 48 of the support structure 14. Accordingly, the aggregate 40 may partially be held within the support structure 14.

The support structure 14 may further include a plurality of further second generally planar lower regions 46, and a plurality of third generally concave regions joining the first region 44 and the further second regions 46.

There is also provided a method of preparation of a sports surface 1 as described herein. Accordingly, the method of preparation of the sports surface 1 may include providing any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the sports surface 1 as described herein. The method includes providing a top layer 10, a base surface 12, and a support structure 14 located between the top layer 10 and base surface 12. The top layer 10 is at least partially permeable to fluid. As will be apparent to the skilled person, airflow may be permitted through the top layer 10. The support structure 14 defines a volume 16 between the top layer 10 and base surface 12. The volume 16 might be considered to be a storage volume 16. Liquid ingress through the top layer 10 may be collectable in the volume 16 on the base surface 12. There is an airflow recirculation arrangement fluidly connected to the volume 16. A first airflow passage 22 may be fluidly connected to the volume 16 at a first location 24 of the volume 16. A second airflow passage 26 may be connected to the volume 16 at a second location 28 of the volume 16. Therefore, the second airflow passage 26 may be fluidly connected to the first airflow passage 22 through the volume 16. The airflow recirculation arrangement may include a fan connected to a first airflow passage 22 and the second airflow passage 26. As will be appreciated, the fan 20 may be configured to drive air in a positive pressure arrangement into the volume 16 through the first airflow passage 22 or configured to drive air in a negative pressure arrangement through the first airflow passage 22 out of the volume 16. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that an alternative (or alternatives) to the fan 20 may be provided. In particular, there may be provided a blower, and/or a compressor, or multiple fans, blowers, or compressors, for example, which may provide the function of moving air in a positive or negative pressure arrangement. When the airflow recirculation arrangement is configured as described herein, the first airflow passage 22, volume 16, and second airflow passage 26 may therefore form an air recirculation loop. Accordingly, air flow may be continuously cycled through the first airflow passage 22, through the volume 16, out of the volume 16 through the second airflow passage 26, and back to the first airflow passage 22 (i.e., recirculation of air), such that the temperature obtained within the volume may become constant over time.

As described above, when used herein, as will be appreciated by the skilled person, the term liquid and water may be used interchangeably. It will be appreciated that the description of ‘water ingress’into the volume 16 may include other liquids.

As described above, the method of preparation of a sports surface 1 and the resulting sports surface 1 may have any one of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the sports surface 1 as described herein. Accordingly, the method of preparation of a sports surface 1 may include providing any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the sports surface 1 as described herein (including associated advantages of such features as described herein).

There is also provided a method of operating a sports surface 1 as described herein, the method including: circulating air through the air recirculation arrangement. The method may include: blowing air using the fan 20 through the first airflow passage 22 (or plurality of airflow passages 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″) as described herein) into the volume 16, flowing air through the volume 16, and extracting air through the second airflow passage 26 (or airflow passages 26, 26′, 26″, 26′″) as described herein and recycling the air back to the first airflow passage. The method may include heating the air using the heater to a temperature determined by the thermostat(s) as described above, if present. The method may additionally or alternatively include cooling the air using a cooling system to a temperature determined by the thermostat(s) as described above, if present.

The method may include collecting liquid on the base surface 12 of the volume 16. The method may further include draining liquid through the drainage pipe 18, e.g., by opening a valve connected to the drainage pipe. A predetermined level of liquid may be permitted to accumulate within the volume 16 before drainage of liquid through the drainage pipe 18 is permitted. The predetermined level of liquid may be 30 percent, or 35 percent, or 40 percent, or 45 percent, or 50 percent. The method may include flowing accumulated liquid over the weir wall 36 into the weir arrangement 34, if present. The step of blowing air through the first airflow passage 22 may include flowing air through air plenum(s) 66, 68, and/or the weir arrangement 34, if present.

The method may include recirculating air through the recirculation arrangement (or recirculation loop) as described herein a plurality of times sufficient for the volume 16 (and/or the sports surface 1) to reach a predetermined temperature.

The method may include recirculating air as described herein and further include introducing fresh air to the volume at a predetermined temperature. A fresh air makeup may therefore be used to supplement the recirculating airflow within the sports surface and increase the temperature increase or decrease rate within the volume 16, and may consequently increase the temperature increase or decrease rate of the surface of the sports surface 1.

The method may include turning off the airflow recirculation arrangement (for example, once a desired air temperature within the volume 16 has been reached) and turning on a positive pressure arrangement as described herein. The positive pressure arrangement may include a fan (e.g., fan 20′ as shown in FIG. 6) arranged to force air into the volume 16, and force the air present in the volume (e.g., the air at a specific temperature) through the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1. The method may include turning off the airflow recirculation arrangement and turning on a negative pressure arrangement as described herein. The negative pressure arrangement may include a fan (e.g., fan 20″ as shown in FIG. 6) arranged to force air out of the volume 16 through, for example, piping, to remove air from the volume. Such a negative pressure arrangement may draw liquid through the top surface 10 of the sports surface 1 into the volume 16 as described herein, which may increase the drying capabilities of the sports surface 1 as described herein.

The method of operating of the sports surface 1 may have any one of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the sports surface 1 as described herein. In particular, control of the liquid level within the volume 16 and/or control of the airflow through the volume 16 and the top layer 10 of the sports surface 1 as described herein may be encompassed within the method of operating a sports surface 1 as described herein.

Support structure

As described herein, the support structure 14 may provide a surface on which for the top layer 10 to be supported and provide a gap (volume 16) between the base surface 12 and the top layer 10.

Other support structures may have large apertures that allow aggregate through, such that a geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane may be required to support the aggregate. Accordingly, other support structures may require geotextile and/or geomembrane wrapped around the units of the support structure, such that air flow may be restricted. As will be appreciated, the geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer may substantially restrict fluid flow (e.g., liquid and/or air) through the geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer. The support structure 14 as described herein can support aggregate, as described below, without the requirement for a geotextile fabric and/or geomembrane layer. Accordingly, the support structure 14 may support the aggregate whilst allowing air flow through the volume 16 (without restriction).

As described herein and with reference to FIG. 4, the support structure 14 may include a first generally planar upper region 44, a second generally planar lower region 46, and a third generally convex region 48 joining the first region 44 and the second region 46.

At least one of the first region 44, the second region 46, and/or the third region 48 may include at least one aperture 150 for the passage of fluid through the support structure 14.

The third region 48 of the support structure 14 may at least partially conform to a lateral surface of an imaginary curved frustum or curved truncated cone.

The sports surface may further include a layer of permeable aggregate positioned between the top layer and the support structure 14.

The layer of aggregate may be supported by the first, second, and/or third regions 44, 46, 48 of the support structure 14.

The support structure 14 may further include a plurality of further second generally planar lower regions 46, and a plurality of third generally concave regions joining the first region 44 and the further second regions 46.

The second region 46 of the support structure 14 may be generally circular.

The third region 48 of the support structure 14 may meet the first region 44 of the support surface at a generally circular edge.

The support structure 14 may further include a strengthening formation supporting the third region 48 of the support surface and/or the first region 44 of the support surface.

The strengthening formation may be or include a fillet, protrusion, rib, and/or fin.

The strengthening formation may extend from the second region 46 of the support structure 14 to the first region 44 of the support structure 14.

The second region 46 of the support structure 14 may be or includes a grid having apertures 150 being at least one of the at least one apertures 150.

The support structure 14 may further include:

a plurality of further second generally planar lower regions 46, and a plurality of third generally concave regions joining the first region 44 and the further second regions 46.

The plurality of second regions 46 of the support structure 14 may form an array.

The plurality of third regions 48 of the support structure 14 may form an array.

The support structure 14 may further include a mating formation adapted to mate with a mating formation of another corresponding support structure 14.

The support structure 14 may be a sports pitch, where the upper layers will typically be playing surface including, for example, natural or artificial grass or some other playing surface; a field; a green roof, typically a roof having plants growing thereon; an urban tree supporting structure; a plant environment; a gas airflow circulation system; or a soil aeration system; for example.

The structure may further include a permeable or impermeable subbase layer or base course supported by the first, second, and/or third regions 44, 46, 48 of the support surface.

There is also provided use of the support structure 14 described above in the preparation of a sports pitch.

Further, additionally or alternatively, the support structure 14 may include any of the features as described in WO 2022/172016 (WO'016). In particular, the support structure 14 as described herein may be equivalent to the “void forming module” as described in WO'016, and have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the “void forming module”.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.